Plans for the Britain’s first spaceport are lifting off after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) narrowed down its shortlist of possible locations.
The Government hopes to make the port capable of launching commercial sub-orbital space flights from 2018, with ministers suggesting the industry could be worth up to £400bn a year by 2030 to the global economy.
The shortlisted sites now include Campbeltown, Glasgow Prestwick and Stornoway in Scotland, as well as Newquay in England and Llanbedr in Wales and RAF Leuchars was confirmed as being only a potential temporary facility. R
AF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks were ruled out for operational reasons as they have a key role in defence.
Scottish infrastructure secretary Keith Mr Brown said Prestwick is in 'an excellent position' to win the 'game-changing prize'.
Business secretary Vince Cable said: ‘Paving the way for a national spaceport is one of our biggest science achievements in this parliament. It greatly underscores the work of our space innovation and growth strategy to position the UK as a world-leader in this exciting arena that is expected to be worth up to £400bn a year to the global economy by 2030.’
The Department for Transport is due to publish a detailed technical specification of spaceport requirements later this year, prior to inviting proposals.
The Government’s space innovation and growth strategy 2014 to 2030, sets out the economic advantages of the UK becoming a European leaders in commercial spaceflights and scientific research.
